The Gladiators - Inna Zion, Come and Gwaan

After waiting more than 3 weeks since buying my tickets to this show it finally came and went. Come N Gwaan real quick. Like da sun pon fi wintery day. I went to the 2nd of two shows at the Zappa Club in Tel Aviv. Wow! The vibes were very very irie, riddim was flowing and the ganja wafting through the air. This was wicked vintage roots rock reggae at its best, at its core. I give tanks and praise to my beautiful woman Ilanit who snapped dem fotos above. For some more, check it here.

This tour was the first in which Albert Griffith's sons, Al on lead vocals and Anthony on drums, have been almost fully handed over the torch of their father's legacy as founder of this great band. Albert Griffiths was a complete no-show here in Israel so we got a full preview of what's in store for da future. Al Griffiths kept on mentioning his father's name over and over again and towards the end of the show gave respect, lots of love, smiles and bigups to almost anyone and everyone he knows, including his band manager, tour manager, assistant, etc who he all brought on stage. Most of al, I especially liked his Jahrusalem t-shirt (see pic above) which he proudly showed off to the crowd, apparently after the band toured the city itself during the day. I wonder where he bought that. I want one too :-)

The band was tight, with a full brass section as is called for in roots reggae, and great high-pitched vocals by a pair of remaining original gladiators who were also simultaneously playing rhythm guitar, percussion and lead guitar. All da classics were played, including Hello Carol, Stick a Bush, Im a Rast Man, Jah Works and more. For us older generation roots fans, this was 2.5 hours of heaven inna zion. Check it (2 videos below).